Attorney remembered for sharp legal mind, compassion

Eason Mitchell, 63, dies in Birmingham

Published: Friday, May 24, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 24, 2013 at 12:06 a.m.

During nearly four decades of practicing law, Eason Mitchell gained a reputation not just for his sharp legal mind but also for his care for others.

Mitchell, 63, died Monday in Birmingham.

Mitchell spent the last years of his career focusing on environmental law. He was one of two attorneys who filed a class action lawsuit against McWane Inc., claiming that the now-closed Empire Coke plant in Holt emitted pollution and carcinogens that caused health problems and even death for some residents. The company reached a $1.9 million settlement with more than 90 plaintiffs.

“He saw the need to expand into environmental litigation, which was sort of in its infancy at the time,” said Tuscaloosa attorney Jim Standridge, who knew Mitchell for more than 30 years. “He was not only a great guy and a great friend, but he was also the smartest lawyer I’ve ever known. He saw things in ways that other people couldn’t see. He was a visionary.”

The two spent the weekend before Mitchell died in Louisville, Ky., at a talk by the Dalai Lama called “Engaging Compassion.”

Mitchell’s compassion was apparent by his advocacy for substance abuse treatment.

“He dedicated his life to helping those who had problems with substance abuse,” said Pelham attorney Jim Pino, a Birmingham Southern college classmate of Mitchell who practiced with him for several years in the 1980s. Mitchell was a certified substance abuse counselor and often worked with the state bar’s Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program. He was also a member of the State Advocacy Advisory Board for Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Mitchell was a native of the Shelby County city of Calera, where he once served as municipal judge. He was known as a top criminal defense attorney before he began to focus on environmental cases.

“Eason had one of most brilliant legal minds of any lawyer I’ve come in contact with during 37 years of practice,” Pino said. “He could see potential causes of action out of a scenario that most lawyers wouldn’t see. He had a brilliant ability to analyze cases and come up with strategies.”

Mitchell was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, cooking, gardening, wood working and photography.

“He was a man of all seasons, with so many different interests,” Pino said.

Visitation is scheduled for 4 p.m. today in the Capstone Ballroom at Hotel Capstone, 320 Bryant Drive. A memorial service will follow at 5:30 p.m.

<p>During nearly four decades of practicing law, Eason Mitchell gained a reputation not just for his sharp legal mind but also for his care for others. </p><p>Mitchell, 63, died Monday in Birmingham.</p><p>Mitchell spent the last years of his career focusing on environmental law. He was one of two attorneys who filed a class action lawsuit against McWane Inc., claiming that the now-closed Empire Coke plant in Holt emitted pollution and carcinogens that caused health problems and even death for some residents. The company reached a $1.9 million settlement with more than 90 plaintiffs.</p><p>“He saw the need to expand into environmental litigation, which was sort of in its infancy at the time,” said Tuscaloosa attorney Jim Standridge, who knew Mitchell for more than 30 years. “He was not only a great guy and a great friend, but he was also the smartest lawyer I've ever known. He saw things in ways that other people couldn't see. He was a visionary.”</p><p>The two spent the weekend before Mitchell died in Louisville, Ky., at a talk by the Dalai Lama called “Engaging Compassion.”</p><p>Mitchell's compassion was apparent by his advocacy for substance abuse treatment.</p><p>“He dedicated his life to helping those who had problems with substance abuse,” said Pelham attorney Jim Pino, a Birmingham Southern college classmate of Mitchell who practiced with him for several years in the 1980s. Mitchell was a certified substance abuse counselor and often worked with the state bar's Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program. He was also a member of the State Advocacy Advisory Board for Substance Abuse and Mental Health.</p><p>Mitchell was a native of the Shelby County city of Calera, where he once served as municipal judge. He was known as a top criminal defense attorney before he began to focus on environmental cases. </p><p>“Eason had one of most brilliant legal minds of any lawyer I've come in contact with during 37 years of practice,” Pino said. “He could see potential causes of action out of a scenario that most lawyers wouldn't see. He had a brilliant ability to analyze cases and come up with strategies.”</p><p>Mitchell was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, duck hunting, cooking, gardening, wood working and photography.</p><p>“He was a man of all seasons, with so many different interests,” Pino said.</p><p>Visitation is scheduled for 4 p.m. today in the Capstone Ballroom at Hotel Capstone, 320 Bryant Drive. A memorial service will follow at 5:30 p.m.</p><p>Reach Stephanie Taylor at stephanie.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0210.</p>